PUBLIC
OFFERINGSSteven Levitt talks Freakonomics, Thomas Friedman explains
why The World is Flat, the Father of the Internet holds forth
on the digital future, social entrepreneurs swap tips, and
Nobel Laureate Edward Prescott and Dean Cooley discuss the
global economy

STERN
IN THE CITY A family-friendly wine importer, By Stephanie SampiereVerge Records focuses on more than the bottom
line, By Jenny Owen

Whether
you manage investments in London, run a division of a manufacturing
company in China, or teach economics in an office building near
Washington Square Park in New York City, it’s hard not
to feel that you’re part of the global economy. The world
may not yet be entirely flat, in the words of New York Times
columnist and author Thomas Friedman, who visited campus in the
spring. But it is certainly a lot less hilly than it used
to be. Information, experiences, best practices, and relationships
today transcend national borders and time zones. This mindset
informs the way we study the world, the way we teach, and the
way we envision NYU Stern’s mission.

This issue of STERNbusiness focuses on aspects of interconnectedness – on
how NYU Stern benefits from being a part of the global community,
and how NYU Stern alumni take what they learned at Stern with them
as they set out to make their way in the world, and to improve
it. This issue’s cover story, on Abraham George, is both
inspiring and humbling. Last January, I had the opportunity
to visit with Dr. George in India and to see some of the fruits
of his philanthropic efforts first-hand. In December, with Dr.
George’s assistance, we’re planning a conference on
sustainable development with our Berkley Center for Entrepreneurship,
which hosts so many of our initiatives on social entrepreneurship.
The notion that business – and businesspeople – can
be a force for social change isn’t merely a talking point
or a matter of public relations. Through the work of our professors,
students, and alumni, it is something we see every day. In April,
the Berkley Center brought together experts and practitioners at
its third annual Conference of Social
Entrepreneurs. And
it’s exhilarating to note that members of the Stern family
who have just embarked on their careers, such as Noah
Dinkin, have
already adopted this mindset.

Even as we examine the way the world is changing, and embrace those
changes, it’s useful to sit back and recognize the constants
in our life. We’re pleased to recognize in this issue the
incredibly long and fruitful career of Ernest
Kurnow, who
has gently and expertly introduced generations of students to the
world of statistics, and to feature the work of Ed
Altman,
who this year marks his 40th year as a valued member of Stern’s
faculty.

Looking through the magazine, I found myself impressed with the
variety and range of activities, people, and events on campus.
I invite you to come and see for yourself.